UPDATE: Pit bull’s victim identified in Union County

NEW ALBANY – Union County Coroner Mark Golding has released the identity of the Union County child killed by a pit bulldog Thursday evening in the Martintown community. Golding identified the 16-month-old as Destiny Marie Knox.

Preliminary autopsy results are expected later today or this evening.

Sheriff’s deputies continued their investigation of the killing, Union County Sheriff Tommy Wilhite said. No other names of people involved have been released.

The child was killed Thursday night at the home of its babysitter when the babysitter’s chained animal slipped out of its collar and followed the people into the house as they unloaded groceries. A 19-year-old man in the house tried unsuccessfully to interrupt the attack, but by the time sheriff’s deputies arrived the child was dead.

The dog was killed by sheriff’s deputies.

“It’s devastating anytime you have the loss of a child,” said Sheriff’s Investigator Anthony Anderson. “Especially in these circumstances, where the child was mutilated, it’s devastating.”

Several Union County officers said Thursday’s tragedy highlights the need for statewide legislation against vicious dogs.

“I think it’s something that the Legislature needs to hear about,” said Chief Deputy Jimmy Whitten. “Something’s got to be done. You hear more and more about (this kind of attack) every day.”